From candlelit dinners to carriage rides in Central Park, there is no shortage of romantic things to do with your special someone for Valentine’s Day in New York City. Even if you fall on the single spectrum, the possibilities of things to do are endless!
But what about the newly single crowd? Or those who can’t seem to decide what to get for your boo to show them that you’ll stick around no matter what? We have an idea for you!
Forget expressing your love with flowers and candy; do it with a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach instead!
The Bronx Zoo’s popular Name-a-Roach program returns for a 13th year, allowing donors to symbolically name a Madagascar hissing cockroach for their Valentine … or ex-Valentine!
The original Name-a-Roach was launched by the Bronx Zoo in 2011, and thousands of hopeless romantics from around the world have named the Bronx Zoo’s Madagascar hissing cockroaches after friends, family, loved ones, and not-so-loved ones. Politics, music, movies, and more have inspired previous names chosen.
For just a $15 donation, your Valentine will receive a digital certificate featuring the name chosen for the roach. Upgrade your order with an additional donation to receive extras like roach socks, a roach plush, or a virtual encounter where you can virtually meet a cockroach and chat live with the experts about caring for these unique and charming creatures. Supplies are limited for upgrades, so get your unforgettable gift today.
This year, the Name-a-Roach program has expanded, giving romantics more options. The 2024 gift packages include:
- The Original — Digital certificate: $15
- Roach Plush — Plush and printed certificate: $40
- Roach Socks — Socks and printed certificate: $35 for one pair/$50 for two pairs
- Valentine’s Virtual Encounter & Roach Plush — Encounter, plush and printed certificate: $60
- Valentine’s Virtual Encounter & Roach Socks — Encounter, socks, and printed certificate: $60 for one pair/$75 two pairs
- The Works — Roach Plush, two pairs of Roach Socks, Valentine’s Virtual Encounter, and printed certificate: $85
Orders must be placed by February 8th to receive the gift by Valentine’s Day. And if you’d like to visit them, the cockroaches are located in the Madagascar! Exhibit at the Bronx Zoo.